LCCC E-Newsletter
Vol. 76, April 2024
Listen to Chuck Gaidica and get your tickets!
 
There is still time to purchase tickets to the 2024 Salute to the Stars. This event will recap all of our work over the past year and salute the incredible volunteers that make our work possible. This is our only event fundraiser to support our critical services and programs that serve over 3,300 of the most vulnerable men, women, and children across the county.
 
Tickets include special guests Bishop Boyea and Emmy award-winning speaker, Chuck Gaidica (see video above), a delicious dinner, a silent auction, and more! Come help us celebrate all of the amazing people who make our work possible.
 
Tickets can be purchased through the link below or at LCCC offices at 2020 E. Grand River Howell, MI 48843.
Hail to the Victors!
We have had the pleasure of having two University of Michigan Clinical MSW students intern with us recently. Sara Steinhauser and Cortney Maser have been integral in developing a curriculum for Mental Health Educational Group Therapy. This group will meet bi-weekly and cover a different topic each time. Sara and Cortney will assist a a rotation of LCCC therapists with the start-up of these groups. Additionally, they have been gaining valuable experience by attending clinical sessions with multiple therapists including Clinical Director, John Furey, and sitting in on Group Therapy, Drug Court and Veteran's Court sessions.

Sara and Cortney have also been helping LCCC Executive Director, Adam Perry, with the creation of a Z-Card. This card will be a useful, quick resource guide of a variety of free services that can be shared with clients.

Great work on this Sara and Cortney!
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month
Come join our Elder Justice Team on June 11 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Livingston County EMS Building as we present Loneliness & Isolation: The Next Health Crisis. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan “one in three adults report feeling isolated from others.” More than 37% reported that they had a feeling of not having companionship in their lives. The US Surgeon General has reported that isolation and loneliness is more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Hear speakers from IHA Medical group and a therapist from Livingston County Catholic Charities talk about the effects isolation and loneliness can have on you mentally, emotionally, and physically. We will also have a local Veteran talk about their personal journey they have had with loneliness and isolation. Then you can learn how to combat the effects of and how to prevent loneliness and isolation from taking over your or a loved one’s life. 

If an all-day event does not fit into your schedule, you can join us at one of the following senior centers for some fun, socialization, and good food. 
          Putnam Senior Center – June 5, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
           Hamburg Senior Center – June 14, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
           Hartland Senior Center – June 18, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
           Howell Senior Center – June 27, 11:30 AM1:30 PM
 
June 1 at 1:00 PM at the Fowlerville Library we will kick off the festivities with Senior Day at the library for a movie and ice cream and some free goodies. The Elder Justice Team thanks you for your continued support. Without a great community behind us, we could never do the great activities and events in the community that not only educate, but bring old friends together, and hopefully brings new friends into our lives. 
 
Do not cast me aside in my old age; as my strength fails, do not forsake me. Psalms 71:9
Tax Credits are a Blessing to Seniors
For the months of January and February the Community Liaison team helped put $25,218 in Property Tax Credit and $1,000 Home Heating Credit monies into their client’s pockets! 

Teresa Loman, Senior Outreach Case Manager shared a couple of stories about how helpful this money was for some clients:
  • One of our clients was quite happy with the amount of the property tax credit she was set to recieve. She immediately told me she was going to need money for a new mattress as she planned to be moving from a furnished apartment to an unfurnished apartment. She was relieved to know she had money for a brand new mattress for any donated bed she might aquire.
  • Another client mentioned being able to hire an electriction to check a circut and replace an outlet as well as replace two standard outlets with GCFI outlets as they were next to sinks.
Art Gives Youth a Voice
Livingston County youth have much to share related to their perception of and experiences with mental health. They want you to see it, hear it, and talk about it. Youth Art Voice encourages youth to explore and communicate what mental health means from their unique viewpoints and experiences. Art, in various forms, including photos, sculptures, drawings, paintings, poems, and music, is being used by youth as a way of expressing themselves around this important topic.

The Howell Opera House is hosting the Youth Art Voice Exhibit on Friday, May 17th, 2024. The public is invited to browse the art collection anytime between 6pm and 8pm. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.
Spring is Here, and We are Here to Help!
Are you 60+ years old and need some help getting your home ready for Spring? Do you need your:

  • Walkway cleared from winter debris?
  • Window or door seals checked for drafts?
  • Screens cleaned or repaired?
  • Shades or blinds installed to keep out the sun and help your air conditioner run more efficiently?
  • Door locks/latches checked, repaired or replaced?

Our Home Injury Control and Chore Programs at Livingston County Catholic Charities can help make your home safe and energy efficient. Call Beth or Mary at 517/545-5944 to see how we can help.
Upcoming Events
Engagement Groups Save Lives!
The LCCC Substance Abuse Engagement Groups are a well-rounded introduction into the recovery process. Participants learn how to participate in a support group, with a strong mental health aspect, and get help connecting to groups that are close to where they live so they can develop a strong support network.
 
Two years ago most participants were struggling with alcohol addiction, now, more than a third are dealing with opioid addiction. Since COVID we are also seeing more younger people addicted to opioids. "When you have an addiction, it has control over you, you do not have control over it. It can be heartbreaking to watch; but we are here to serve as a tool in their journey", said Jessica B., Clinical Case Manager.
 
Mondays 5:00-6:30 pm & 6:30-8:00 pm (in-person)
Wednesdays 10:00 am–11:30 pm (in-person)
Get Involved at LCCC!
VOLUNTEER
LCCC is in need of volunteers for our programs! There are opportunities to fit any age or ability. Come and help serve YOUR community today. We have created a new form for you to view all volunteer opportunities and check which ones you might be interested in learning more about. Find out more!
WORK
Interested in work that gives you a sense of purpose and fulfills your mission to serve the greater good?Join our team of dedicated and compassionate individuals who work in Livingston County to provide professional services and programs to our county's most vulnerable.
How YOU can Provide Critical Services for Generations to Come!
Looking for ways to maximize your tax savings and charitable giving?
Consider using your IRA.
If you are 70 1/2 yrs of age or older, you can make cash gifts from your IRA to your favorite charity or charities without having to include the IRA distribution in your taxable income. Qualified charitable distributions, also called IRA charitable rollover, allows you to direct part or all of your distribution directly to a charitable organization in an amount up to $100,000 per person per year. The amount of your charitable distribution to a charitable organization is excluded from your gross income and is not subject to taxes. Please discuss this option with your tax or financial adviser prior to making the distribution. 
On-going Groups & Meetings at LCCC

1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:00-6:00 pm
Email Monica@LivingstonCC.org for Zoom info

3rd Monday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
Email Fostering@LivingstonCC.org

Mondays 5:00-6:30 pm & 6:30-8:00 pm (in-person)
Wednesdays 10:00 am–11:30 pm (in-person)
Email Jessica@LivingstonCC.org 517-375-1652

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the Foster Care Parenting Tip of the Week or the Caregiver Tip of the Week along with other great information & activities.
Livingston County Catholic Charities
2020 E. Grand River #104, Howell, MI 48843
Office Phone 517-545-5944 Be Our Guest Adult Day Phone 517-546-9910